U.S. patent application number 14/880809 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-13 for external user interface for head worn computing.
The applicant listed for this patent is Osterhout Group, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Michael Lohse, Ralph F. Osterhout.
Application Number | 20170100664 14/880809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58499332 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170100664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osterhout; Ralph F. ; et
al. |
April 13, 2017 |
EXTERNAL USER INTERFACE FOR HEAD WORN COMPUTING
Abstract
Aspects of the present invention relate to a multi-sided
hand-held controller for a head-worn computing system. The
hand-held computer controller includes a first user control
interface on a first side of the hand-held controller, a second
user control interface on a second side of the hand-held
controller, and a control system adapted to detect which of the
first side and second side is an active control side of the
controller, positioned properly for user interaction. Following the
detection, the control system can activate the active control side
to accept user interactions for control of a computer.
Inventors: |
Osterhout; Ralph F.; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Lohse; Robert Michael; (Palo Alto,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Osterhout Group, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58499332 |
Appl. No.: |
14/880809 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0227 20130101;
A63F 13/24 20140902; G06F 1/163 20130101; G02B 27/017 20130101;
G06F 3/0346 20130101; A63F 13/211 20140902; G02B 2027/0138
20130101; G06F 3/03545 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/24 20060101
A63F013/24; G06F 3/0338 20060101 G06F003/0338; G06F 3/02 20060101
G06F003/02 |
Claims
1. A hand-held computer controller, comprising: a. a first user
control interface on a first side of the hand-held controller; b. a
second user control interface on a second side of the hand-held
controller; c. a control system adapted to detect which of the
first side and second side is an active control side of the
controller, positioned properly for user interaction; and d. the
control system further adapted, following the detection, to
activate the active control side to accept user interactions for
control of a computer.
2. The hand-held computer controller of claim 1, wherein the first
user control interface includes a keyboard.
3. The hand-held computer controller of claim 1, wherein the second
user control interface includes a gaming interface.
4. The hand-held computer controller of claim 3, wherein the gaming
interface includes an interface adapted to move laterally 360
degrees to provide a joystick style control.
5. The hand-held computer controller of claim 1, wherein the
control system is further adapted to deactivate a non-active
control side.
6. The hand-held computer controller of claim 1, further comprising
a motion detection system to detect motion of the hand-held
controller, wherein the detected motion is used to further control
the computer.
7. The hand-held computer controller of claim 6, wherein the
further control is control of a three dimensional aspect of a
computer application.
8. The hand-held computer controller of claim 6, wherein the
further control is control of a cursor position within a computer
display.
9. The hand-held computer controller of claim 1, wherein the
computer is a head-worn computer.
10. The hand-held computer controller of claim 9, wherein the
head-worn computer includes a see-through computer display.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to head worn computing. More
particularly, this invention relates to external user interfaces
used in connection with to head worn computing.
[0003] Description of Related Art
[0004] Wearable computing systems have been developed and are
beginning to be commercialized. Many problems persist in the
wearable computing field that need to be resolved to make them meet
the demands of the market.
SUMMARY
[0005] Aspects of the present invention relate to the systems and
methods of interacting with a head-worn computer.
[0006] These and other systems, methods, objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment and the drawings. All documents mentioned
herein are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments are described with reference to the following
Figures. The same numbers may be used throughout to reference like
features and components that are shown in the Figures:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a head worn computing system in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an external user interface in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0010] FIGS. 3a to 3c illustrate distance control systems in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate force interpretation systems in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 5a to 5c illustrate user interface mode selection
systems in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates interaction systems in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates external user interfaces in accordance
with the principles of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a pattern recognition system and process
in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a projection system in accordance with
the principles of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an external user interface adapted to be
used with a steering wheel, in accordance with the principles of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a dual screen user interface in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller
in according to the principles of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller
with a finger contact sensor in according to the principles of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a wireless finger mountable controller
with a finger contact sensor in according to the principles of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates certain components of a wireless finger
mountable controller with a finger contact sensor in according to
the principles of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a multi-sided hand-held control device
according to the principles of the present invention.
[0024] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and are encompassed
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025] Aspects of the present invention relate to head-worn
computing ("HWC") systems. HWC involves, in some instances, a
system that mimics the appearance of head-worn glasses or
sunglasses. The glasses may be a fully developed computing
platform, such as including computer displays presented in each of
the lenses of the glasses to the eyes of the user. In embodiments,
the lenses and displays may be configured to allow a person wearing
the glasses to see the environment through the lenses while also
seeing, simultaneously, digital imagery, which forms an overlaid
image that is perceived by the person as a digitally augmented
image of the environment, or augmented reality ("AR").
[0026] HWC involves more than just placing a computing system on a
person's head. The system may need to be designed as a lightweight,
compact and fully functional computer display, such as wherein the
computer display includes a high resolution digital display that
provides a high level of emersion comprised of the displayed
digital content and the see-through view of the environmental
surroundings. User interfaces and control systems suited to the HWC
device may be required that are unlike those used for a more
conventional computer such as a laptop. For the HWC and associated
systems to be most effective, the glasses may be equipped with
sensors to determine environmental conditions, geographic location,
relative positioning to other points of interest, objects
identified by imaging and movement by the user or other users in a
connected group, and the like. The HWC may then change the mode of
operation to match the conditions, location, positioning,
movements, and the like, in a method generally referred to as a
contextually aware HWC. The glasses also may need to be connected,
wirelessly or otherwise, to other systems either locally or through
a network. Controlling the glasses may be achieved through the use
of an external device, automatically through contextually gathered
information, through user gestures captured by the glasses sensors,
and the like. Each technique may be further refined depending on
the software application being used in the glasses. The glasses may
further be used to control or coordinate with external devices that
are associated with the glasses.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an overview of the HWC system 100 is
presented. As shown, the HWC system 100 comprises a HWC 102, which
in this instance is configured as glasses to be worn on the head
with sensors such that the HWC 102 is aware of the objects and
conditions in the environment 114. In this instance, the HWC 102
also receives and interprets control inputs such as gestures and
movements 116. The HWC 102 may communicate with external user
interfaces 104. The external user interfaces 104 may provide a
physical user interface to take control instructions from a user of
the HWC 102 and the external user interfaces 104 and the HWC 102
may communicate bi-directionally to affect the user's command and
provide feedback to the external device 108. The HWC 102 may also
communicate bi-directionally with externally controlled or
coordinated local devices 108. For example, an external user
interface 104 may be used in connection with the HWC 102 to control
an externally controlled or coordinated local device 108. The
externally controlled or coordinated local device 108 may provide
feedback to the HWC 102 and a customized GUI may be presented in
the HWC 102 based on the type of device or specifically identified
device 108. The HWC 102 may also interact with remote devices and
information sources 112 through a network connection 110. Again,
the external user interface 104 may be used in connection with the
HWC 102 to control or otherwise interact with any of the remote
devices 108 and information sources 112 in a similar way as when
the external user interfaces 104 are used to control or otherwise
interact with the externally controlled or coordinated local
devices 108. Similarly, HWC 102 may interpret gestures 116 (e.g.
captured from forward, downward, upward, rearward facing sensors
such as camera(s), range finders, IR sensors, etc.) or
environmental conditions sensed in the environment 114 to control
either local or remote devices 108 or 112.
[0028] We will now describe each of the main elements depicted on
FIG. 1 in more detail; however, these descriptions are intended to
provide general guidance and should not be construed as limiting.
Additional description of each element may also be further
described herein.
[0029] The HWC 102 is a computing platform intended to be worn on a
person's head. The HWC 102 may take many different forms to fit
many different functional requirements. In some situations, the HWC
102 will be designed in the form of conventional glasses. The
glasses may or may not have active computer graphics displays. In
situations where the HWC 102 has integrated computer displays the
displays may be configured as see-through displays such that the
digital imagery can be overlaid with respect to the user's view of
the environment 114. There are a number of see-through optical
designs that may be used, including ones that have a reflective
display (e.g. LCoS, DLP), emissive displays (e.g. OLED, LED),
hologram, TIR waveguides, and the like. In addition, the optical
configuration may be monocular or binocular. It may also include
vision corrective optical components. In embodiments, the optics
may be packaged as contact lenses. In other embodiments, the HWC
102 may be in the form of a helmet with a see-through shield,
sunglasses, safety glasses, goggles, a mask, fire helmet with
see-through shield, police helmet with see through shield, military
helmet with see-through shield, utility form customized to a
certain work task (e.g. inventory control, logistics, repair,
maintenance, etc.), and the like.
[0030] The HWC 102 may also have a number of integrated computing
facilities, such as an integrated processor, integrated power
management, communication structures (e.g. cell net, WiFi,
Bluetooth, local area connections, mesh connections, remote
connections (e.g. client server, etc.)), and the like. The HWC 102
may also have a number of positional awareness sensors, such as
GPS, electronic compass, altimeter, tilt sensor, IMU, and the like.
It may also have other sensors such as a camera, rangefinder,
hyper-spectral camera, Geiger counter, microphone, spectral
illumination detector, temperature sensor, chemical sensor,
biologic sensor, moisture sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and the
like.
[0031] The HWC 102 may also have integrated control technologies.
The integrated control technologies may be contextual based
control, passive control, active control, user control, and the
like. For example, the HWC 102 may have an integrated sensor (e.g.
camera) that captures user hand or body gestures 116 such that the
integrated processing system can interpret the gestures and
generate control commands for the HWC 102. In another example, the
HWC 102 may have sensors that detect movement (e.g. a nod, head
shake, and the like) including accelerometers, gyros and other
inertial measurements, where the integrated processor may interpret
the movement and generate a control command in response. The HWC
102 may also automatically control itself based on measured or
perceived environmental conditions. For example, if it is bright in
the environment the HWC 102 may increase the brightness or contrast
of the displayed image. In embodiments, the integrated control
technologies may be mounted on the HWC 102 such that a user can
interact with it directly. For example, the HWC 102 may have a
button(s), touch capacitive interface, and the like.
[0032] As described herein, the HWC 102 may be in communication
with external user interfaces 104. The external user interfaces may
come in many different forms. For example, a cell phone screen may
be adapted to take user input for control of an aspect of the HWC
102. The external user interface may be a dedicated UI, such as a
keyboard, touch surface, button(s), joy stick, and the like. In
embodiments, the external controller may be integrated into another
device such as a ring, watch, bike, car, and the like. In each
case, the external user interface 104 may include sensors (e.g.
IMU, accelerometers, compass, altimeter, and the like) to provide
additional input for controlling the HWD 104.
[0033] As described herein, the HWC 102 may control or coordinate
with other local devices 108. The external devices 108 may be an
audio device, visual device, vehicle, cell phone, computer, and the
like. For instance, the local external device 108 may be another
HWC 102, where information may then be exchanged between the
separate HWCs 108.
[0034] Similar to the way the HWC 102 may control or coordinate
with local devices 106, the HWC 102 may control or coordinate with
remote devices 112, such as the HWC 102 communicating with the
remote devices 112 through a network 110. Again, the form of the
remote device 112 may have many forms. Included in these forms is
another HWC 102. For example, each HWC 102 may communicate its GPS
position such that all the HWCs 102 know where all of HWC 102 are
located.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, we now turn to describe a particular
external user interface 104, referred to generally as a pen 200.
The pen 200 is a specially designed external user interface 104 and
can operate as a user interface, such as to many different styles
of HWC 102. The pen 200 generally follows the form of a
conventional pen, which is a familiar user handled device and
creates an intuitive physical interface for many of the operations
to be carried out in the HWC system 100. The pen 200 may be one of
several user interfaces 104 used in connection with controlling
operations within the HWC system 100. For example, the HWC 102 may
watch for and interpret hand gestures 116 as control signals, where
the pen 200 may also be used as a user interface with the same HWC
102. Similarly, a remote keyboard may be used as an external user
interface 104 in concert with the pen 200. The combination of user
interfaces or the use of just one control system generally depends
on the operation(s) being executed in the HWC's system 100.
[0036] While the pen 200 may follow the general form of a
conventional pen, it contains numerous technologies that enable it
to function as an external user interface 104. FIG. 2 illustrate
technologies comprised in the pen 200. As can be seen, the pen 200
may include a camera 208, which is arranged to view through lens
202. The camera may then be focused, such as through lens 202, to
image a surface upon which a user is writing or making other
movements to interact with the HWC 102. There are situations where
the pen 200 will also have an ink, graphite, or other system such
that what is being written can be seen on the writing surface.
There are other situations where the pen 200 does not have such a
physical writing system so there is no deposit on the writing
surface, where the pen would only be communicating data or commands
to the HWC 102. The lens configuration is described in greater
detail herein. The function of the camera is to capture information
from an unstructured writing surface such that pen strokes can be
interpreted as intended by the user. To assist in the predication
of the intended stroke path, the pen 200 may include a sensor, such
as an IMU 212. Of course, the IMU could be included in the pen 200
in its separate parts (e.g. gyro, accelerometer, etc.) or an IMU
could be included as a single unit. In this instance, the IMU 212
is used to measure and predict the motion of the pen 200. In turn,
the integrated microprocessor 210 would take the IMU information
and camera information as inputs and process the information to
form a prediction of the pen tip movement.
[0037] The pen 200 may also include a pressure monitoring system
204, such as to measure the pressure exerted on the lens 202. As
will be described in greater herein, the pressure measurement can
be used to predict the user's intention for changing the weight of
a line, type of a line, type of brush, click, double click, and the
like. In embodiments, the pressure sensor may be constructed using
any force or pressure measurement sensor located behind the lens
202, including for example, a resistive sensor, a current sensor, a
capacitive sensor, a voltage sensor such as a piezoelectric sensor,
and the like.
[0038] The pen 200 may also include a communications module 218,
such as for bi-directional communication with the HWC 102. In
embodiments, the communications module 218 may be a short distance
communication module (e.g. Bluetooth). The communications module
218 may be security matched to the HWC 102. The communications
module 218 may be arranged to communicate data and commands to and
from the microprocessor 210 of the pen 200. The microprocessor 210
may be programmed to interpret data generated from the camera 208,
IMU 212, and pressure sensor 204, and the like, and then pass a
command onto the HWC 102 through the communications module 218, for
example. In another embodiment, the data collected from any of the
input sources (e.g. camera 108, IMU 212, pressure sensor 104) by
the microprocessor may be communicated by the communication module
218 to the HWC 102, and the HWC 102 may perform data processing and
prediction of the user's intention when using the pen 200. In yet
another embodiment, the data may be further passed on through a
network 110 to a remote device 112, such as a server, for the data
processing and prediction. The commands may then be communicated
back to the HWC 102 for execution (e.g. display writing in the
glasses display, make a selection within the UI of the glasses
display, control a remote external device 112, control a local
external device 108), and the like. The pen may also include memory
214 for long or short term uses.
[0039] The pen 200 may also include a number of physical user
interfaces, such as quick launch buttons 222, a touch sensor 220,
and the like. The quick launch buttons 222 may be adapted to
provide the user with a fast way of jumping to a software
application in the HWC system 100. For example, the user may be a
frequent user of communication software packages (e.g. email, text,
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google+, and the like), and the user
may program a quick launch button 222 to command the HWC 102 to
launch an application. The pen 200 may be provided with several
quick launch buttons 222, which may be user programmable or factory
programmable. The quick launch button 222 may be programmed to
perform an operation. For example, one of the buttons may be
programmed to clear the digital display of the HWC 102. This would
create a fast way for the user to clear the screens on the HWC 102
for any reason, such as for example to better view the environment.
The quick launch button functionality will be discussed in further
detail below. The touch sensor 220 may be used to take gesture
style input from the user. For example, the user may be able to
take a single finger and run it across the touch sensor 220 to
affect a page scroll.
[0040] The pen 200 may also include a laser pointer 224. The laser
pointer 224 may be coordinated with the IMU 212 to coordinate
gestures and laser pointing. For example, a user may use the laser
224 in a presentation to help with guiding the audience with the
interpretation of graphics and the IMU 212 may, either
simultaneously or when the laser 224 is off, interpret the user's
gestures as commands or data input.
[0041] FIGS. 3A-C illustrate several embodiments of lens and camera
arrangements 300 for the pen 200. One aspect relates to maintaining
a constant distance between the camera and the writing surface to
enable the writing surface to be kept in focus for better tracking
of movements of the pen 200 over the writing surface. Another
aspect relates to maintaining an angled surface following the
circumference of the writing tip of the pen 200 such that the pen
200 can be rolled or partially rolled in the user's hand to create
the feel and freedom of a conventional writing instrument.
[0042] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the writing lens end of
the pen 200. The configuration includes a ball lens 304, a camera
or image capture surface 302, and a domed cover lens 308. In this
arrangement, the camera views the writing surface through the ball
lens 304 and dome cover lens 308. The ball lens 304 causes the
camera to focus such that the camera views the writing surface when
the pen 200 is held in the hand in a natural writing position, such
as with the pen 200 in contact with a writing surface. In
embodiments, the ball lens 304 should be separated from the writing
surface to obtain the highest resolution of the writing surface at
the camera 302. In embodiments, the ball lens 304 is separated by
approximately 1 to 3 mm. In this configuration, the domed cover
lens 308 provides a surface that can keep the ball lens 304
separated from the writing surface at a constant distance, such as
substantially independent of the angle used to write on the writing
surface. For instance, in embodiments the field of view of the
camera in this arrangement would be approximately 60 degrees.
[0043] The domed cover lens, or other lens 308 used to physically
interact with the writing surface, will be transparent or
transmissive within the active bandwidth of the camera 302. In
embodiments, the domed cover lens 308 may be spherical or other
shape and comprised of glass, plastic, sapphire, diamond, and the
like. In other embodiments where low resolution imaging of the
surface is acceptable. The pen 200 can omit the domed cover lens
308 and the ball lens 304 can be in direct contact with the
surface.
[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates another structure where the construction
is somewhat similar to that described in connection with FIG. 3A;
however this embodiment does not use a dome cover lens 308, but
instead uses a spacer 310 to maintain a predictable distance
between the ball lens 304 and the writing surface, wherein the
spacer may be spherical, cylindrical, tubular or other shape that
provides spacing while allowing for an image to be obtained by the
camera 302 through the lens 304. In a preferred embodiment, the
spacer 310 is transparent. In addition, while the spacer 310 is
shown as spherical, other shapes such a an oval, doughnut shape,
half sphere, cone, cylinder or other form may be used.
[0045] FIG. 3C illustrates yet another embodiment, where the
structure includes a post 314, such as running through the center
of the lensed end of the pen 200. The post 314 may be an ink
deposition system (e.g. ink cartridge), graphite deposition system
(e.g. graphite holder), or a dummy post whose purpose is mainly
only that of alignment. The selection of the post type is dependent
on the pen's use. For instance, in the event the user wants to use
the pen 200 as a conventional ink depositing pen as well as a fully
functional external user interface 104, the ink system post would
be the best selection. If there is no need for the `writing` to be
visible on the writing surface, the selection would be the dummy
post. The embodiment of FIG. 3C includes camera(s) 302 and an
associated lens 312, where the camera 302 and lens 312 are
positioned to capture the writing surface without substantial
interference from the post 314. In embodiments, the pen 200 may
include multiple cameras 302 and lenses 312 such that more or all
of the circumference of the tip 314 can be used as an input system.
In an embodiment, the pen 200 includes a contoured grip that keeps
the pen aligned in the user's hand so that the camera 302 and lens
312 remains pointed at the surface.
[0046] Another aspect of the pen 200 relates to sensing the force
applied by the user to the writing surface with the pen 200. The
force measurement may be used in a number of ways. For example, the
force measurement may be used as a discrete value, or discontinuous
event tracking, and compared against a threshold in a process to
determine a user's intent. The user may want the force interpreted
as a `click` in the selection of an object, for instance. The user
may intend multiple force exertions interpreted as multiple clicks.
There may be times when the user holds the pen 200 in a certain
position or holds a certain portion of the pen 200 (e.g. a button
or touch pad) while clicking to affect a certain operation (e.g. a
`right click`). In embodiments, the force measurement may be used
to track force and force trends. The force trends may be tracked
and compared to threshold limits, for example. There may be one
such threshold limit, multiple limits, groups of related limits,
and the like. For example, when the force measurement indicates a
fairly constant force that generally falls within a range of
related threshold values, the microprocessor 210 may interpret the
force trend as an indication that the user desires to maintain the
current writing style, writing tip type, line weight, brush type,
and the like. In the event that the force trend appears to have
gone outside of a set of threshold values intentionally, the
microprocessor may interpret the action as an indication that the
user wants to change the current writing style, writing tip type,
line weight, brush type, and the like. Once the microprocessor has
made a determination of the user's intent, a change in the current
writing style, writing tip type, line weight, brush type, and the
like. may be executed. In embodiments, the change may be noted to
the user (e.g. in a display of the HWC 102), and the user may be
presented with an opportunity to accept the change.
[0047] FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a force sensing surface
tip 400 of a pen 200. The force sensing surface tip 400 comprises a
surface connection tip 402 (e.g. a lens as described herein
elsewhere) in connection with a force or pressure monitoring system
204. As a user uses the pen 200 to write on a surface or simulate
writing on a surface the force monitoring system 204 measures the
force or pressure the user applies to the writing surface and the
force monitoring system communicates data to the microprocessor 210
for processing. In this configuration, the microprocessor 210
receives force data from the force monitoring system 204 and
processes the data to make predictions of the user's intent in
applying the particular force that is currently being applied. In
embodiments, the processing may be provided at a location other
than on the pen (e.g. at a server in the HWC system 100, on the HWC
102). For clarity, when reference is made herein to processing
information on the microprocessor 210, the processing of
information contemplates processing the information at a location
other than on the pen. The microprocessor 210 may be programmed
with force threshold(s), force signature(s), force signature
library and/or other characteristics intended to guide an inference
program in determining the user's intentions based on the measured
force or pressure. The microprocessor 210 may be further programmed
to make inferences from the force measurements as to whether the
user has attempted to initiate a discrete action (e.g. a user
interface selection `click`) or is performing a constant action
(e.g. writing within a particular writing style). The inferencing
process is important as it causes the pen 200 to act as an
intuitive external user interface 104.
[0048] FIG. 4B illustrates a force 408 versus time 410 trend chart
with a single threshold 418. The threshold 418 may be set at a
level that indicates a discrete force exertion indicative of a
user's desire to cause an action (e.g. select an object in a GUI).
Event 412, for example, may be interpreted as a click or selection
command because the force quickly increased from below the
threshold 418 to above the threshold 418. The event 414 may be
interpreted as a double click because the force quickly increased
above the threshold 418, decreased below the threshold 418 and then
essentially repeated quickly. The user may also cause the force to
go above the threshold 418 and hold for a period indicating that
the user is intending to select an object in the GUI (e.g. a GUI
presented in the display of the HWC 102) and `hold` for a further
operation (e.g. moving the object).
[0049] While a threshold value may be used to assist in the
interpretation of the user's intention, a signature force event
trend may also be used. The threshold and signature may be used in
combination or either method may be used alone. For example, a
single-click signature may be represented by a certain force trend
signature or set of signatures. The single-click signature(s) may
require that the trend meet a criteria of a rise time between x any
y values, a hold time of between a and b values and a fall time of
between c and d values, for example. Signatures may be stored for a
variety of functions such as click, double click, right click,
hold, move, etc. The microprocessor 210 may compare the real-time
force or pressure tracking against the signatures from a signature
library to make a decision and issue a command to the software
application executing in the GUI.
[0050] FIG. 4C illustrates a force 408 versus time 410 trend chart
with multiple thresholds 418. By way of example, the force trend is
plotted on the chart with several pen force or pressure events. As
noted, there are both presumably intentional events 420 and
presumably non-intentional events 422. The two thresholds 418 of
FIG. 4C create three zones of force: a lower, middle and higher
range. The beginning of the trend indicates that the user is
placing a lower zone amount of force. This may mean that the user
is writing with a given line weight and does not intend to change
the weight, the user is writing. Then the trend shows a significant
increase 420 in force into the middle force range. This force
change appears, from the trend to have been sudden and thereafter
it is sustained. The microprocessor 210 may interpret this as an
intentional change and as a result change the operation in
accordance with preset rules (e.g. change line width, increase line
weight, etc.). The trend then continues with a second apparently
intentional event 420 into the higher-force range. During the
performance in the higher-force range, the force dips below the
upper threshold 418. This may indicate an unintentional force
change and the microprocessor may detect the change in range
however not affect a change in the operations being coordinated by
the pen 200. As indicated above, the trend analysis may be done
with thresholds and/or signatures.
[0051] Generally, in the present disclosure, instrument stroke
parameter changes may be referred to as a change in line type, line
weight, tip type, brush type, brush width, brush pressure, color,
and other forms of writing, coloring, painting, and the like.
[0052] Another aspect of the pen 200 relates to selecting an
operating mode for the pen 200 dependent on contextual information
and/or selection interface(s). The pen 200 may have several
operating modes. For instance, the pen 200 may have a writing mode
where the user interface(s) of the pen 200 (e.g. the writing
surface end, quick launch buttons 222, touch sensor 220, motion
based gesture, and the like) is optimized or selected for tasks
associated with writing. As another example, the pen 200 may have a
wand mode where the user interface(s) of the pen is optimized or
selected for tasks associated with software or device control (e.g.
the HWC 102, external local device, remote device 112, and the
like). The pen 200, by way of another example, may have a
presentation mode where the user interface(s) is optimized or
selected to assist a user with giving a presentation (e.g. pointing
with the laser pointer 224 while using the button(s) 222 and/or
gestures to control the presentation or applications relating to
the presentation). The pen may, for example, have a mode that is
optimized or selected for a particular device that a user is
attempting to control. The pen 200 may have a number of other modes
and an aspect of the present invention relates to selecting such
modes.
[0053] FIG. 5A illustrates an automatic user interface(s) mode
selection based on contextual information. The microprocessor 210
may be programmed with IMU thresholds 514 and 512. The thresholds
514 and 512 may be used as indications of upper and lower bounds of
an angle 504 and 502 of the pen 200 for certain expected positions
during certain predicted modes. When the microprocessor 210
determines that the pen 200 is being held or otherwise positioned
within angles 502 corresponding to writing thresholds 514, for
example, the microprocessor 210 may then institute a writing mode
for the pen's user interfaces. Similarly, if the microprocessor 210
determines (e.g. through the IMU 212) that the pen is being held at
an angle 504 that falls between the predetermined wand thresholds
512, the microprocessor may institute a wand mode for the pen's
user interface. Both of these examples may be referred to as
context based user interface mode selection as the mode selection
is based on contextual information (e.g. position) collected
automatically and then used through an automatic evaluation process
to automatically select the pen's user interface(s) mode.
[0054] As with other examples presented herein, the microprocessor
210 may monitor the contextual trend (e.g. the angle of the pen
over time) in an effort to decide whether to stay in a mode or
change modes. For example, through signatures, thresholds, trend
analysis, and the like, the microprocessor may determine that a
change is an unintentional change and therefore no user interface
mode change is desired.
[0055] FIG. 5B illustrates an automatic user interface(s) mode
selection based on contextual information. In this example, the pen
200 is monitoring (e.g. through its microprocessor) whether or not
the camera at the writing surface end 208 is imaging a writing
surface in close proximity to the writing surface end of the pen
200. If the pen 200 determines that a writing surface is within a
predetermined relatively short distance, the pen 200 may decide
that a writing surface is present 502 and the pen may go into a
writing mode user interface(s) mode. In the event that the pen 200
does not detect a relatively close writing surface 504, the pen may
predict that the pen is not currently being used to as a writing
instrument and the pen may go into a non-writing user interface(s)
mode.
[0056] FIG. 5C illustrates a manual user interface(s) mode
selection. The user interface(s) mode may be selected based on a
twist of a section 508 of the pen 200 housing, clicking an end
button 510, pressing a quick launch button 222, interacting with
touch sensor 220, detecting a predetermined action at the pressure
monitoring system (e.g. a click), detecting a gesture (e.g.
detected by the IMU), etc. The manual mode selection may involve
selecting an item in a GUI associated with the pen 200 (e.g. an
image presented in the display of HWC 102).
[0057] In embodiments, a confirmation selection may be presented to
the user in the event a mode is going to change. The presentation
may be physical (e.g. a vibration in the pen 200), through a GUI,
through a light indicator, etc.
[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a couple pen use-scenarios 600 and 601.
There are many use scenarios and we have presented a couple in
connection with FIG. 6 as a way of illustrating use scenarios to
further the understanding of the reader. As such, the use-scenarios
should be considered illustrative and non-limiting.
[0059] Use scenario 600 is a writing scenario where the pen 200 is
used as a writing instrument. In this example, quick launch button
122A is pressed to launch a note application 610 in the GUI 608 of
the HWC 102 display 604. Once the quick launch button 122A is
pressed, the HWC 102 launches the note program 610 and puts the pen
into a writing mode. The user uses the pen 200 to scribe symbols
602 on a writing surface, the pen records the scribing and
transmits the scribing to the HWC 102 where symbols representing
the scribing are displayed 612 within the note application 610.
[0060] Use scenario 601 is a gesture scenario where the pen 200 is
used as a gesture capture and command device. In this example, the
quick launch button 122B is activated and the pen 200 activates a
wand mode such that an application launched on the HWC 102 can be
controlled. Here, the user sees an application chooser 618 in the
display(s) of the HWC 102 where different software applications can
be chosen by the user. The user gestures (e.g. swipes, spins,
turns, etc.) with the pen to cause the application chooser 618 to
move from application to application. Once the correct application
is identified (e.g. highlighted) in the chooser 618, the user may
gesture or click or otherwise interact with the pen 200 such that
the identified application is selected and launched. Once an
application is launched, the wand mode may be used to scroll,
rotate, change applications, select items, initiate processes, and
the like, for example.
[0061] In an embodiment, the quick launch button 122A may be
activated and the HWC 102 may launch an application chooser
presenting to the user a set of applications. For example, the
quick launch button may launch a chooser to show all communication
programs (e.g. SMS, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, email, etc.)
available for selection such that the user can select the program
the user wants and then go into a writing mode. By way of further
example, the launcher may bring up selections for various other
groups that are related or categorized as generally being selected
at a given time (e.g. Microsoft Office products, communication
products, productivity products, note products, organizational
products, and the like)
[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 700 illustrates a watchband clip on controller 700.
The watchband clip on controller may be a controller used to
control the HWC 102 or devices in the HWC system 100. The watchband
clip on controller 700 has a fastener 718 (e.g. rotatable clip)
that is mechanically adapted to attach to a watchband, as
illustrated at 704.
[0063] The watchband controller 700 may have quick launch
interfaces 708 (e.g. to launch applications and choosers as
described herein), a touch pad 714 (e.g. to be used as a touch
style mouse for GUI control in a HWC 102 display) and a display
712. The clip 718 may be adapted to fit a wide range of watchbands
so it can be used in connection with a watch that is independently
selected for its function. The clip, in embodiments, is rotatable
such that a user can position it in a desirable manner. In
embodiments the clip may be a flexible strap. In embodiments, the
flexible strap may be adapted to be stretched to attach to a hand,
wrist, finger, device, weapon, and the like.
[0064] In embodiments, the watchband controller may be configured
as a removable and replacable watchband. For example, the
controller may be incorporated into a band with a certain width,
segment spacing's, etc. such that the watchband, with its
incorporated controller, can be attached to a watch body. The
attachment, in embodiments, may be mechanically adapted to attach
with a pin upon which the watchband rotates. In embodiments, the
watchband controller may be electrically connected to the watch
and/or watch body such that the watch, watch body and/or the
watchband controller can communicate data between them.
[0065] The watchband controller may have 3-axis motion monitoring
(e.g. through an IMU, accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes,
etc.) to capture user motion. The user motion may then be
interpreted for gesture control.
[0066] In embodiments, the watchband controller may comprise
fitness sensors and a fitness computer. The sensors may track heart
rate, calories burned, strides, distance covered, and the like. The
data may then be compared against performance goals and/or
standards for user feedback.
[0067] Another aspect of the present invention relates to tracking
pen movements with the assistance of a camera and displayed content
in a HWC 102. In embodiments, content is presented in a see-through
display of a head-worn computer to provide a virtual guide for the
wearer who wants to make motions with a pen, finger, or other
interface and have the motions interpreted for pattern recognition.
As described in connection with pen embodiments disclosed herein
elsewhere, an IMU or pen-tip camera may be used to monitor the
motion of a pen in order to predict what patterns are being drawn.
The IMU and/or pen tip camera may suffer from electronic or optical
drift and the drift may cause inaccuracies in the pattern
prediction. In embodiments, to augment the IMU and/or pen tip
camera motion predictions the virtual guide is provided to
compensate for the drift. The pen motions may be captured by a
camera on-board the HWC 102 while the wearer is writing with the
guidance of the virtual line. Knowing that the wearer is using the
virtual line as a guide, the relative position between the pen tip
and virtual line can be used to reduce or eliminate drift
issues.
[0068] In embodiments, digital content is presented to a wearer of
the HWC 102 and the wearer moves the pen 200 along a writing
surface guided by the digital content for pattern recordation,
recognition and presentation assistance. In embodiments, a camera
in the HWC 102 images and tracks the positions of the pen 200 for
pattern recordation and recognition assistance. In embodiments,
both the digital content and the camera capturing the pen positions
are used for pattern recordation and recognition assistance. In
embodiments, the digital content, camera capture, in-pen camera
capture, in-pen IMU, etc. may be used in combination for pattern
recordation and recognition assistance. In embodiments, the
relative positions of the pen strokes to the virtual line may be
presented in the HWC 102 displays in relation to the virtual line.
For example, the wearer of the HWC 102 may be scribing without ink
in relation to the virtual line that he perceives and as presented
in the HWC 102 display, the on-board HWC 102 camera may capture the
scribing, a processor may interpret the imaged scribing in relation
to the line such that the scribing can be converted into digital
content to be displayed in the HWC 102 display in relation to the
virtual line.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a system where a camera in the HWC 102 is
used to track pen 200 motions and digital content is presented to
the wearer of the HWC 102 to assist the wearer with writing within
a structure. In this embodiment, digital content in the form of a
line 804 is presented in an FOV 802 of the HWC 102. The wearer can
see through the FOV 802 so the line 804 appears to augment the
surrounding environment's view for the wearer. The line may be
`fixed` to a spot in the environment such that when the wearer
turns his head and hence changes the position of the HWC 102, the
line appears to stay in position with respect to the environment.
In embodiments, the camera in the HWC 102 may image the environment
and track the relative movement of the HWC 102 with respect to the
environment such that the line 804 can be positioned and moved
within the FOV in accordance with the imaged movements to maintain
visual alignment of the line with a point, object, marker, etc. in
the environment. This configuration presents a virtual line in the
environment that does not appear to move as the wearer's head
moves. The virtual line can provide the wearer with guidance on
where to make pen strokes. The line can be thought of as a line on
a piece of paper so the wearer can write, or make strokes in a
writing pattern, along the virtual line to make prediction of the
lines pattern more accurate and overcome drift errors that may
otherwise be apparent when attempting to record the movements and
predict the patterns.
[0070] With the virtual line presented and virtually connected to a
position in the environment, the wearer can use the line for
guidance when making writing patterns. The HWC 102 camera can also
be used to track the movements of the pen 200 relative to the
position of the virtual line. This may be used to better predict
the patterns indicated by the wearer's pen strokes. As described
herein elsewhere, the pen 200 may track its motions through a pen
tip camera and IMU. In embodiments, the pen tip camera and IMU may
track the pen's motion and the camera may be used to track the
motion of the pen relative to the virtual line. Each of these
inputs may be used to track, record and predict what it being
written.
[0071] In embodiments, the camera in the HWC 102 captures images of
the wearer's pen's motion while the wearer is using the pen to make
patterns with the virtual line as a guide. The virtual line may
then be overlaid on the captured images of the motion to assist
with the pattern analysis. In embodiments, once the overlay is
made, one can see or analyze how the pen pattern moved with respect
to the position of the virtual line as the wearer may be viewed the
virtual line. The pattern analysis may involve interpreting the IMU
motion detection, in-pen motion detection, and/or the pen's motion
as captured through the HWC 102 camera relative to the virtual
line. For example, if the IMU indicates that the pen shifted away
from the wearer but the position of the pen relative to the virtual
line indicates the pen was not moving, the portion of IMU data that
indicated the shift may be discounted in the prediction analysis.
The virtual line pattern analysis may be done in real-time, after
the fact, etc. The pattern recognition may be done on a processor
on-board the HWC 102, remote from the HWC 102, or partially
on-board and remotely.
[0072] In embodiments, the virtual line may take any number of
forms. For example, the virtual line may be a line, part of a
virtual note, part of a virtual message template, etc. The line may
also change positions and shapes depending on the wearer's needs.
For example, the wearer may want to trace a pattern that is being
displayed as digital content and the digital content may be
presented as a consolidated image, part of an image, image in a
line-by-line presentation format, etc. In embodiments, this system
may be used for lessons on writing, painting, drawing, etc.
[0073] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the
projection of imagery from a head-worn computer, wherein a
projector with x-y mirror control and a solid state lighting system
are mounted in the head-worn computer and positioned to project a
raster style image onto a nearby surface.
[0074] FIG. 9 illustrates a projection system according to the
principles of the present invention. In embodiments, the HWC 102
has a micro-mirror projector 902 adapted to project a raster style
beam of light to generate an image on a nearby surface. The
micro-mirror projector 902 may include two movable mirrors for the
x-y directional control of the light source or a single mirror that
has movement on two independently controlled perpendicular axes for
x-y directional control. The light source may be a monochromatic,
multi-chromatic, dual color, tri color, multi-colored, or other
arrangement. In the embodiments where multiple colors are used
(e.g. red, green, and blue) the colors may be sequentially
provided, simultaneously provided, or otherwise provided by a
solid-state lighting system (e.g. LED, Laser, etc.). It should be
understood that the term "raster" is being used herein as an
example of a pattern that may be projected to produce the image on
the nearby surface and it should not be considered limited to any
one particular pattern unless otherwise stated. Further, while
embodiments refer to a "nearby surface" it should be understood
that this is also an example for the reader and that it should not
be considered limited to any particular distance unless otherwise
stated.
[0075] The micro-mirror projector 902 may project an image for
display (e.g. a map, presentation, etc.), an interactive user
interface for the HWC 102 (e.g. an interactive keyboard, cursor
control interface, button, touch pad, etc.), an interactive user
interface for an external device 108, interactive content for
multiple participants (e.g. a map, game, etc.).
[0076] In embodiments, an interactive user interface may be
projected by the micro-mirror projector 902 and a sensor system may
be included in the HWC 102 to make interpretations related to the
intersection of the person with the image. For example, the sensor
system may detect that the person has `touched` the letter "a" on a
projected keyboard and provide the detection information to a
processor that determines that the person has `pressed` the letter
"a."
[0077] In embodiments, a sensor system may be included in the HWC
102 adapted to sense an interference when there is an object
between the micro-projector 902 and a nearby surface and the
interference information may be used to modify the projected image
such that the projected image does not project onto the object. For
example, the micro-mirror projector 902 may project a keyboard onto
a nearby surface and when the user places their fingers over the
keyboard the sensor system can detect the interference from the
fingers and the projection can be modified such that the projection
is dark, not emitted, in the area of the interference so the user's
finger or hand does not have a projected image on it. In an
example, the micro-projector can project the keyboard onto the
surface. An image of the projected keyboard is captured by the
camera in the HWC and this image is used as a baseline for
comparison. Images are then captured periodically of the keyboard
and compared to the baseline to determine whether fingers are
present and where the fingers are located. The image of the
projected keyboard is then modified to remove the portions of the
keyboard where the fingers have been determined to be located.
[0078] In embodiments, the solid state light used in the
micro-mirror projector is a non-visible laser or LED (e.g. NIR,
IR), such that the projector projects an invisible image. The
invisible image may be detected through the use of a matching
non-visible light detector or camera. This may be used to prevent
others from seeing what the user of the HWC 102 is seeing by
providing the HWC 102 with the detector and then displaying visible
image content in the see-through display of the HWC 102 that
matches the non-visible radiation. This may also be used to project
an image for someone else to see if they have a matching
non-visible detector system.
[0079] In embodiments, the position of the projected image from the
micro-mirror projector 902 is controllable through the HWC 102. The
position, for example, may be settable through a user gesture,
external control device, HWC 102 mounted interface, etc. In
embodiments, the position is locked in place on the nearby surface.
For example, once positioned, an adjacent object or a marker on or
proximate the nearby surface may be used to `key` the projected
image to such that the projected image maintains a relative
position on the nearby surface. In this case, the projected image
is stabilized relative to the key, so that as the HWC moves, the
projected image is moved within the display field of view to
maintain a constant relative position to the key, this is also
known as a world-locked image.
[0080] In embodiments, the micro-mirror projector 902 has an image
stabilization system. The image stabilization system may move the
micro-mirror projector 902 to compensate for sensed vibrations or
other movements of the HWC 102 such that the projected image
appears stably positioned on the nearby surface even when there are
vibrations or movements (e.g. small movements) of the HWC 102.
[0081] An aspect of the present invention relates to a
gyro-stabilized image projector with gimbaled mounts to provide a
physically stabilized projection platform. In embodiments, the
projection is world locked such that the projected image appears in
a fixed position relative a surface, surface edge, marker, etc. The
world locked projection maybe gyro-stabilized with a laser
rasterized projection where an IMU is used to measure movements of
the head-worn computer and then small motors (e.g. piezo electric
motors) are used to stabilize the projector/raster mirror(s). In an
alternate embodiment, the projected image passes through optics
that include optical stabilization wherein the position of optical
elements can be laterally moved to change the pointing direction of
the projector in response to sensed movements of the HWC.
[0082] In addition to optical stabilization, the projected user
interface may also be, or instead be, digitally stabilized. The
digitally generated image of the projected user interface can be
digitally shifted laterally across the projected field of view to
stabilize the user interface as seen by the user. Provided the
projected user interface (e.g. the keyboard) only occupies a
portion of the projected field of view. For example, where the
keyboard occupies 20 degrees of a 30 degree projected field of
view, the projected image can be digitally stabilized for movements
of +/-5 degrees by digitally shifting the image to compensate for
detected movements. In embodiments, movement detection can be
accomplished by detecting movements of the HWC or by detecting
movements of objects in the camera's field of view or through a
combination of both techniques.
[0083] Another aspect of the present invention relates to
generating the projected image through a diffractive optical
element. In embodiments, the IMU stabilized laser is arranged such
that the user interface image is generated by the diffractive. The
laser may be attached to the diffractive and the combined device
may be pointed by actuators to align and stabilize the image. In
embodiments, the diffractive is removable and replaceable such that
the user can change what projected image is to be presented by the
projector. For example, the HWC 102 may be provided with a set of
diffractives, one for a keyboard, button, slider, etc. and each one
may be removed and replaced in the HWC 102.
[0084] An aspect of the present invention relates to a projected or
augmented reality content displayed user interface position and
focal plane along with the focal plane for content resulting from
an interaction with the user interface. For example, as described
herein, a keyboard or other user interface may be projected from an
HWC 102 onto a surface. The user may interact with the image that
appears on the surface and the HWC 102 may have an interaction
identification system (e.g. structured invisible wavelength light
pattern recognition system, motion and distance sensor system,
etc.) such that the interactions produce output (e.g. key strokes
relating to keyboard interactions). The output, or response to the
interactions, may be displayed in the see-through display of the
HWC 102 at a position and at a focal plane that is in relation to
the position and focal plane of the surface and area where the
projected user interface is displayed. In embodiments, the position
may be such that the resultant content does not overlap the user
interface from the user's perspective. In embodiments the focal
plane for the presentation of the resultant content and the user
interface display surface may be different to form a workspace
where the user can either focus on the user interface or the
resultant content, but not both simultaneously. In embodiments, the
position of the resultant content may be world-locked in relation
to the projected user interface such that they appear to maintain a
constant positional relation to one another from the user's
perspective. This can be a useful arrangement for user's that are
touch typers where they focus mainly on the resultant content but
occasionally want to view the keyboard.
[0085] In other embodiments, the resultant content may be
positioned and locked in a position near the projected or displayed
user interface and have the same or similar focal plane as the user
interface. This arrangement may be desirable for those users who
like to look back and forth between the resultant content and the
keys of a keyboard, for example.
[0086] In embodiments, the user may affirmatively control the
position and focal plane of the resultant content relative to the
projected or displayed user interface. The selections may be set as
default settings, temporary settings, contextual settings (e.g. a
selection based on the application being used in the HWC 102, a
selection based on the surface in use for the reference projection
or display, time of day, sensor feedback (e.g. if a motion sensor
identifies motion a certain setting may be used), environmental
conditions, etc.
[0087] In embodiments, the resultant content may be presented
through a display other than the head-worn see-through display. For
example, the user may want to display the content to other people,
either proximate or remote from the user, so the user may elect to
cause the resultant content to be presented on another system
display.
[0088] Another aspect of the present invention relates to
maintaining a proper shape of a projected or display user interface
during movements of the HWC 102. In embodiments, the user interface
is presented as a world-locked item, meaning it is positioned
through a fixed reference to something in the surrounding
environment such that it appears to be locked in place even as the
user moves his head and eyes. In embodiments, the user interface is
also stabilized such that relatively small movements of the user's
head don't cause the user interface to appear to shake or move in
an unwanted fashion from the user's perspective. In a further
embodiment, the shape of the projected user interface may be
monitored and adjusted to maintain its intended shape as to be
viewed from the user's perspective (e.g. to correct for
keystoning). For example, the surface or edges of the surface may
be monitored for shape alignment and when the HWC 102 moves enough
to cause the shape to otherwise change with respect to the surface
reference, the projected user interface shape may be altered to
maintain the properly aligned shape. In embodiments, active surface
alignment may be accomplished through an imaging process where the
camera in the HWC 102 is used to image the surface. In embodiments,
the shape modifications may be accomplished based on a predictive
system. For example, an IMU may monitor the movements of the HWC
102 and the IMU output may be used to predict the resulting changes
in a projected user interface image such that the user interface
image can be reshaped based on the movements. In embodiments, the
shape management may involve both surface imaging and motion-based
predictions. In embodiments, the projected or displayed user
interface may further be digitally stabilized.
[0089] Another aspect of the present invention relates to cutting
away a portion or all of a displayed or projected user interface
based on movements of the HWC. In embodiments, the user interface
is world locked and either a portion or the whole user interface
will be cut off if the HWC 102 moves too much. For example, in the
situation where a keyboard is being projected onto a surface and
the keyboard is world-locked to the surface, a portion of the
projected keyboard may be eliminated when the user turns his head
to the side. This prevents the projector from projecting the image
erroneously. The projector will only have a certain relatively
small adjustable range to target the surface and once the end of
the range is reached, for example, the projection can stop or the
projected image can be altered in such a way that only a portion of
the projected user interface still appears. When projecting a
portion of the user interface in such a situation the content being
projected may need to be altered. For example, as the right side of
the projection is getting cut off, the digital content may be
altered such that the left portion of the content continues to
appear clear.
[0090] Another aspect of the present invention relates to
world-locking a projected or displayed user interface based on a
user presented marker. In embodiments, a user of a HWC 102 places a
high contrast marker or makes a high contrast mark such that the
HWC 102 has a reference for the world-locking of the user
interface. In embodiments, the marker or mark may be intended to be
used multiple times, such as a mark on a table top where the user
periodically sits. In embodiments, the marker may be intended as a
one time or limited time mark, such as a mark in the sand or on
some surface that the user does not frequently visit. In
embodiments, the marker or mark may be used to world-lock the user
interface where the mark is directly associated with the placement
for a portion of the user interface. In other embodiments, the
marker or mark may be used as a remote reference for which the user
interface will be referenced but which the user interface will not
overlap. This can be useful in situations where the user wants to
move the user interface on the surface. For example, the user
interface may be projected in an original position and the HWC 102
may give the user the opportunity to move the user interface on the
world-locking surface. The user may then use a gesture, such as
touching the user interface projection and dragging it into the
preferred position. Then the HWC may continue to use the mark or
marker as a reference or if another marker is recognized as being
available the new marker may be used.
[0091] In embodiments, the user generated marker is not visible to
the human eye but can be detected by the HWC 102. For example,
quantum dot ink or other infrared active material may be used to
make a mark that is invisible to the human eye but is visible when
viewed in infrared and the HWC 102 may include an infrared camera
capable of detecting the infrared light emitted from the mark. The
quantum dot ink or other infrared active material may fluoresce
infrared light in response to visible light or near infrared light.
Similarly, the mark may be visible in ultraviolet light but be
invisible to the human eye, and the HWC then includes an
ultraviolet camera.
[0092] Another aspect of the present invention relates to capturing
user interactions with the projected or displayed user interface
through a projection of structured light and capturing and
interpreting changes in the structured light caused by user
movements. In embodiments, the structured light is projected
through a diffractive to generate a known pattern of light. The
structured light projector may be built into the HWC 102, IMU
stabilized and coordinated with the user interface projector to
maintain an alignment with the projected user interface image. In
embodiments, the structured light will cover the user interface
such that physical interactions with the area involving the user
interface can be identified and interpreted. The structured light
is typically not visible to the user because it is can be a very
busy pattern that would be distracting to the user. In embodiments,
the HWC 102 includes a non-visible capture system (e.g. IR camera)
to capture the structured light interference patterns.
[0093] In embodiments, a user's finger positions can be calibrated
into the structured light system or stereo camera 3D imaging system
by having the user start with all fingers in contact with the
surface. By measuring the positions of the fingers in contact with
the surface by using the structured light system or stereo camera
3D imaging system, a baseline position of the fingertips when in
contact with the surface can be obtained. When a fingertip later
reaches this baseline position, it can be interpreted as having
contacted the surface and a keystroke or other input can be
determined on the projected or displayed keyboard or user
interface. This is particularly advantageous when the structured
light or stereo camera 3D imaging system views the surface and the
user's fingers from a perspective wherein the movements of the
user's fingers are away or toward the HWC, because then the
movements of the user's fingers are limited by the surface. The
position and angle of the surface relative to the user interface
can also be determined by using the structured light system or
stereo camera 3D imaging system. The position and angle of the
surface can be used to more accurately determine the baseline
position of the fingers over the entire area of the projected or
displayed keyboard or user interface so that keystrokes can be more
accurately identified.
[0094] In embodiments, a displayed or projected user interface
(e.g. a keyboard) and other displayed information are provided to
the user in correspondence with the head pose of the user. Wherein
the head pose is determined by the measured tilt of the HWC as
determined by a tilt sensor associated with the HWC. In this case,
the displayed or projected user interface is only provided when the
user's head pose is at a selected angle or range of angles such as
when the user's head is tilted downward by 30 degrees as is typical
when using a laptop computer. When the user, raises their head
above this tilt angle, the user interface is not provided and their
finger movements are not tracked. If the user then tilts their head
down again, the user interface is once again provided and their
finger movements are tracked to determine their interactions with
the user interface. In a similar fashion, the user interface can be
provided when the user's head pose is within a selected lateral
angle or range of angles and if the user moves their head
laterally, the user interface is not provided. This method of
providing the user interface only when the user's head pose is
within a selected position, encourages the user to keep their head
still as is typical when a person is typing or interacting with a
graphical user interface. Although, it is within the scope of the
invention to provide a stabilized displayed or projected user
interface within the selected range of angles. In this way, a
simplified method of world locking the user interface without
having to track objects in the environment is provided. Instead,
the method relies on tracking the head pose of the user within a
selected range of angular movements to determine when a displayed
or projected user interface is provided to the user. The method can
also be provided as a mode that is selected by the user of the HWC.
In addition, providing the user interface can be combined with the
providing of other information that is displayed in the HWC when
the user interface is not displayed. For example, when the user has
their head tilted downward, the user interface can be displayed or
projected and when the user tilts their head upward the other
information is provided while the user interface is not
provided.
[0095] In embodiments, the user interface is projected using
non-visible light where the non-visible light is imaged by the
user, or other user, and the user interface is then presented as an
augmented reality overlay in the head-worn display. For example,
the structured light could be provided at 940 nm (e.g. with an LED
or laser diode), which can still be captured by a standard CMOS or
CCD camera with the infrared cut filter removed. The keyboard could
then be projected with 808 nm light (e.g. with an LED or laser
diode) and captured with a standard camera. In embodiments, the
image may be captured with the same camera and the images may be
image processed to identify the different wavelength patterns. In
other embodiments, this may be accomplished with two cameras
wherein one camera is used to capture the structured light and the
other camera is used to capture the projected image and each camera
is blocked from light associated with the other image (e.g. by
including a notch filter that transmits certain wavelengths of
light while reflecting or absorbing other wavelengths of
light).
[0096] In embodiments, the structured light pattern and projected
user interface are world locked, stabilized, and image shape
corrected in a coordinated fashion to maintain proper alignment
between the two and such that proper identification of user
interactions can be identified as properly aligned with the user
interface elements. For example, both the structured light
projector and user interface projector may be physically stabilized
(e.g. as described herein), digitally stabilized (e.g. as described
herein) and shape corrected to compensate for head movements (e.g.
as described herein).
[0097] In embodiments, IMU's are attached to the back of a user's
hand, finger, and or knuckles to detect finger movements and
surface contact by detecting sharp stops in movement. This can
provide a more detectible key contact to go along with detection of
finger movements with systems.
[0098] Another aspect of the present invention relates to capturing
user interactions with a projected or displayed content user
interface through 3D imagery of the user's fingers as captured by
two separated cameras mounted on a head worn computer. For example,
a camera may be mounted on ends of the front facing side of the HWC
102 (e.g. near the glasses lenses) and the two cameras may
simultaneously capture video of the user's fingers while the user
is interacting with a projected or content displayed user interface
(e.g. a projected keyboard or AR content displayed keyboard). As
the cameras capture the images, the images from the separate
cameras can be processed to generate a 3D model of the user's
movements such that interactions with the projected or display user
interface (e.g. virtual interface) can be determined. In
embodiments, the dual separated cameras may capture other user body
part movements such that they can be interpreted as 3D gesture
commands.
[0099] Another aspect of the present invention relates to
technologies for launching a projected or displayed user interface.
In embodiments, the user interface may be activated (e.g. projected
or displayed) based on an affirmative user action, contextual
information or other information. For example, if the user launches
a software application on the head-worn computer that interoperates
with a particular type of user interface (e.g. a keyboard, button,
mouse, touch pad), the user interface may be presented to the user
automatically. In embodiments, the user interface may be presented
when appropriate during the experience with the software
application. For example, if the user launches an email
application, the user may automatically be presented with a
`reader's` user interface such as a projected or displayed touch
pad. The user may use the touch pad to interact with the email
program to assist in reading, scrolling, moving to another email,
etc. The user may also use the touch pad to reply or start a new
email, which is an action that may cause the user interface to
alter and include a keyboard to facilitate the input of text. In
other embodiments, the user may use another external user interface
to launch the projected or displayed user interface. For example,
the user may have a pen or watch interface (as described herein)
and the pen or watch may be adapted to launch the projected or
displayed user interface. The user may then use the pen or watch
for certain interactions and then quick launch an additional user
interface (e.g. a projected or displayed keyboard). The user may
also use a user interface mounted on the head-worn computer to
launch the projected or displayed interface.
[0100] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an
invisible user interface that can be viewed by the user of a
head-worn computer. In embodiments, the user interface is an
infrared fluorescing printed keyboard (e.g. printed with quantum
dot ink or infrared active ink) wherein the ink fluoresces in the
infrared after being exposed to visible light or near infrared
light. The light from the infrared fluorescing printed keyboard, or
other user interface or image, can be captured by an infrared
camera or hyperspectral camera in the HWC, along with finger
movement. Since the printed keyboard is under the user's fingers,
the fingers don't interfere with the keyboard image. Stereo cameras
or structured light can be used to determine finger movements as
has been discussed previously herein. Examples of suitable infrared
inks include: http://www.maxmax.com/aXRayIRInks asp IR1 ink absorbs
below 793 nm and emits at 840 nm; or
http://www.diversifiednano.com/i-series.aspx x-nano IR-783 absorbs
in the visible and emits at 783 nm.
[0101] In a further embodiment, user interactions with the
projected or displayed user interface or printed user interface are
captured with a time of flight camera system that is associated
with the HWC. Where the time of flight camera projects a short
burst of light (e.g. infrared light) onto the user hands and the
associated area of the user interface. Light reflected from the
user's hands and the associated area of the user interface or
keyboard is then captured for a very short period of time by the
time of flight camera. The relative distance between the time of
flight camera and portions of the user's hands and portions of the
associated area of the user interface is then determined from the
relative brightness of the different portions of the image of the
scene as captured by the time of flight camera. As such, the time
of flight camera provides a depth map of the user's hands and the
associated area of the user interface. Changes in the depth map are
used to determine the movements of the user's hands in relation to
the user interface.
[0102] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
vehicle-specific external user interface 104. In embodiments, the
vehicle-specific external ("VSE") user interface 104 includes a
mechanical mounting system adapted to mount the VSE interface 104
on the steering wheel of the vehicle. The mounting system may
secure the VSE interface in a position that tends to be near the
driver's hands, such as on the wheel portion around the 1:00 to
3:00 position or 9:00 to 11:00 position. The VSE interface may be
secured with a Velcro style system, clip, strap, etc. In
embodiments, the VSE interface is adapted to provide the driver
with a system for the interaction with the HWC 102 when driving
where the interactions are intended to enhance the driver's driving
experience. For example, a driver may preset applications, screens,
content sets, etc. for access while he is driving and the VSE
interface may provide a physical interface for the launching of an
application, toggling, switching, or changing applications or
screens or content sets, etc. The presentation of display content
controlled by the VSE interface may involve navigation, vehicle
systems, point-of-interest information, advertisements, etc. and
the driver may be able to switch between the applications very
quickly through the interaction of a button or more than one
button. In embodiments, the preset screens, content sets, or
applications may be launched through dedicated quick launch
buttons. For example, the navigation application button may be in
the upper right of the VSE interface.
[0103] In embodiments, a pre-programmed button or set of buttons
may be set to clear the display of the HWC 102 to be free of
content or reduce the amount of content that is otherwise displayed
to increase the driver's see-through view of the surroundings. The
button(s) may be set to switch content display modes between two
pre-determined content types relating to the vehicle (e.g.
switching between pre-set driving applications). The button(s) may
be set to change the amount of content-free area in the field-of
view of the HWC 102. The button(s) may be set to move content
within the field-of-view. The button(s) may be set to change the
HWC 102 display brightness and contrast or control other aspects of
the HWC 102, such as to change audio volume, sensor settings, etc.
While many embodiments refer to the use of "button(s)" it should be
understood that this is for simplicity in illustration only and
that other forms of user controllable interfaces are envisioned by
the present invention, such as, switches, toggles, touch screens,
touch pads, etc.
[0104] FIG. 10 illustrates several VSE interfaces according to the
principles of the present invention. The VSE interface 1004 is
illustrated as being mounted on the steering wheel 1002 and
illustrated in various control configurations. The VSE interface
may have hot or launch buttons on the side 1008, front face 1010 or
otherwise such that the driver can touch and interact with them
while driving. The VSE interface may also have a fixed hot button
1012 to perform a dedicated function such as clearing the display
of the HWC 102 of content or limiting the type or amount of content
that is permitted to be displayed in the display. The VSE interface
may also have one or more touch pads or screens. A touch pad or
screen may, for example, be used as a button style interface as
well as a cursor control style interface. The VSE interface may
also be virtually modified with a virtual active layer 1014. The
virtual active layer 1014 may be presented as digital content in
the display of the HWC 102 and be locked in position with respect
to the physical VSE interface such that the driver perceives the
virtual content as augmenting the physical VSE interface. For
example, virtual button labels may be provided as digital content
and overlaid or set next to the VSE interface such that the driver
perceives the labels as being associated with the buttons. The
virtual content may be used in coordination with a new command set.
For example, a new command set relating to navigation may be set on
the HWC 102 and a label or image may be set to appear in a position
locked to the VSE interface. In embodiments, there may not be a
physical button and the interaction that causes a control command
may be initiated when the user virtually interacts with the content
by touching a portion of the VSE controller that intersects, from
the driver's perspective through the display, with the virtual
content.
[0105] An aspect of the present invention relates to a user
interface with a quick launch interface adapted to quickly launch
an application, portion of an application, function, display
control command, head-worn computer function, etc. In embodiments,
an external user interface for a head-worn device is provided (e.g.
as described herein elsewhere) and the external user interface
includes a button, switch, touch pad, etc. that when actuated (e.g.
the button pressed), an action is initiated on the head-worn
computer (e.g. launching or activating a software application or
clearing the see-through display). In embodiments, the external
user interface may be in a form of a pen, pen attachment, watch,
watch attachment, application specific device (e.g. steering wheel
attachment), programmable device, mouse, wireless finger mounted
mouse, phone, music player, etc. (some of which are described
herein elsewhere).
[0106] As a further example of an external user interface that
includes a quick launch activation system, a finger mounted
wireless controller (also generally referred to as a wireless
finger mouse, wireless air mouse or WAM) may be provided. The WAM
may include a gyro and/or inertial movement detection system (e.g.
an IMU) and such system may communicate signals or commands to the
head-worn computer based on its movements. This system may be used
to interpret gestures, continuously control the movement of a mouse
element on the see-through display, control a view of content being
displayed on the see-through display, etc. The WAM may also be
mechanically adapted to be mounted on a person's finger (e.g. the
index finger) such that its buttons and other physical interfaces
can be controlled with the person's thumb. The quick launch
physical interface (e.g. button) may be positioned on the WAM such
that the thumb can actuate it. Once actuated, the program, action,
function, etc. associated with the interface may be initiated.
[0107] The quick launch system and associated head-worn computer
may be configured such that quick launch commands are not acted
upon or modified before being executed based on a situation aware
system, head-worn computer setting, external user interface
setting, etc. For example, the head-worn computer may include
sensors that collect information that may be interpreted to
determine an activity (e.g. a forward speed may be calculated and,
in a case where the speed is over 10 mph, it may be determined that
the person is driving in a car), and the commands may be ignored or
modified based on the activity. In the event that the situation
demands a clear view of the surroundings (e.g. driving a car), a
quick launch command that would otherwise cause content to be
presented in the see-through display may be ignored or the content
displayed may be modified to maintain a high degree of see through.
In certain situations, this can prevent an obscured view by an
inadvertent activation of the quick launch command. In a similar
fashion, a quick launch button's commands may be altered or
otherwise interpreted to cause a predetermined action based on the
situation or setting. For example, irrespective of the command
associated with the quick launch interface, activation of the
interface may cause the clearing of content from the see-through
interface when the situation appears to demand a clear view of the
surrounding. As described elsewhere herein, the quick launch
interface may be programmed to cause the see-through display to
clear or substantially clear (e.g. only displaying content towards
an edge of the display such that it is `out of the way` of the
surrounding view).
[0108] In embodiments, the quick launch system may be adapted to
launch an application, function, display control command, etc. when
the actuator is interacted with in a particular way and then send a
different command when the interaction is terminated. For example,
the system may be adapted to cause content to be displayed in the
see-through display only when a button is held. When the button is
released, the content may be removed. This system allows the user
to only display content when he has activated the interface and he
can quickly remove the content, by releasing, when he is done with
the content or wants a clear view of the surroundings. In
embodiments, the system may be programmed in reverse (i.e. content
is removed with the button is held). The quick launch system may be
programmable and/or pre-programmed to set which actuation system on
the external device is used and what the pattern of interaction
that causes the action is. In embodiment, an actuator may be
programmed to cause the launch command after the actuator is held
for a period of time, actuated multiple times (e.g. double click),
or other interaction pattern.
[0109] In embodiments, the quick launch system may have a `hold`
function where a predetermined interaction causes the launch and
then a second predetermined action causes a cancellation of the
launch or modification of the launch. For example, a double click
of the actuator may cause the display of content in the see-through
display and a second double click or a single click may cause the
removal of the content from the see-through display.
[0110] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an
auto-adapting graphical user interface presented on an external
user interface device 104 adapted for the control of software
applications operating on a HWC 102. The auto-adapting graphical
user interface receives information from the HWC 102 pertaining to
one or more applications operating on the HWC 102 and then the
graphical user interface is changed to meet the requirements of the
application(s) that are running The adaptation is tailored to
assist the user in interacting with the application(s). For
example, if a text-based application is being presented to the user
in the see-through display of the HWC 102, the auto-adaptable
graphical user interface may be changed to a touch based keyboard.
In the event that a game is operating on the HWC 102 the
auto-adaptable graphical interface may change to a game controller.
In embodiments, feedback from sensor systems in the external user
interface device 104 may be used differently depending on the
application operating on the HWC 102. For example, when reading on
the HWC 102 tilting the angle of the external user interface device
104 may cause the page to scroll, but when the HWC is presenting a
game, the tilt feedback may change the way an object in the game is
affected.
[0111] FIG. 11 illustrates an external user interface device 104
with an auto-adaptable graphic user interface 1102 in
bi-directional communication with a HWC 102. As the illustration
indicates, a user of the HWC 102 can see through to the environment
and see the external device 104 with the auto-adaptable graphical
user interface at the same time the user is viewing digital content
present on the see-through displays of the HWC 102. The inventors
discovered that this arrangement makes for an intuitive way to
control applications operating on the HWC 102 while minimizing the
amount of user interface information that gets presented in the
see-through displays. For example, when controlling a text-based
application, the field of view of the HWC 102 does not have to
include any UI elements or the number of elements may be minimized
because the user can still see the control elements on the external
user interface device 104. There are instances when the HWC 102
does include UI control elements even with the auto-adaptable
graphical user interface 1102. For example, if a cursor or other
such element may be needed and the cursor may be presented in the
see-through display of the HWC 102 while the adaptable graphical
user interface 1102 converts automatically into a touch based or
movement based mouse.
[0112] In embodiments, the external user interface device 104 may
be a hand-held device with a touch screen and a processor, wherein
the processor is adapted to present graphical information on the
touch screen and interpret user interactions with the touch screen
(e.g. a touch screed on a phone, tablet, dedicated device, etc.).
The hand-held device processor further adapted to receive an
indication, from the head-worn computer, of an operating program of
out of a plurality of computer programs the head-worn computer
processor is currently operating and presenting to the user. The
hand-held device processor may be further adapted to change the
graphical information on the touch screen based on the indication
of operating program such that the touch screen presents a
pre-determined user interface on the touch screen that meets the
needs of the operating program. In embodiments, the HWC has its
own, separate from the processor in the external user control
device, processor operating the applications on the HWC. In
embodiments, the GUI on the external user control device presents
indications (e.g. icons) of available programs to be operated on
the HWC where a selection of the indication initiates the
corresponding program on the HWC. In embodiments, the GUI on the
external user control device presents several applications that are
already running on the HWC such that one or more may be selected to
be interacted with in the HWC. In embodiments, the GUI on the
external user control device provides a control element adapted to
switch the external user control device back into a standalone
device that no longer controls the HWC. For example, if the
external user control device is a phone or other multi-purpose
device (i.e. controller for the HWC and adapted to perform
functions unrelated to the HWC) the control element may change the
device back into a phone.
[0113] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a finger
mounted external user interface (i.e. a type of external user
interface 104) with a sensor positioned and adapted to sense the
presence of a user's finger. The sensor can provide feedback to an
on-board processor of the finger mounted external user interface
and the processor can adjust the interface's functionality based on
the presence or non-presence of the finger. In embodiments, the
sensor facilitated system can act like a `dead man switch` where
the interface stops controlling a related device (e.g. HWC) when no
finger is detected. This can prevent unintentional operation. For
example, if a user of a HWC 102 has connected an finger interface
to the HWC 102 such that the finger interface controls aspects of
the HWC 102 and the user dismounts the interface and puts it down
(e.g. on a table or seat) it won't inadvertently control the HWC
102 because no finger will be detected. In embodiments, such a
finger control interface may also have a security system such that
only authorized user's can properly use the interface to control a
related device. For example, the finger controller may have a touch
pad and the touch pad may be adapted to image or otherwise read a
fingerprint for authorization. In embodiments, the user may have a
predetermined period to mount the device after proper
authorization. For example, the user may have his finger print
authorized and then have ten seconds to mount the device such that
the finger sensor senses the presence of a finger.
[0114] A finger mounted user interface device according to the
principles of the present invention may have a housing adapted to
be mounted on a finger of a user; a finger touch sensor positioned
to touch the finger of the user, when the finger mounted user
interface is worn by the user; and the finger touch sensor may be
in communication with a processor in the finger mounted user
interface, wherein the processor may regulate a function of the
finger mounted user interface based on the finger touch sensor's
indication of a presence or non-presence of the finger of the
user.
[0115] The processor may be further adapted to communicate control
commands to a head-worn computer. The housing may include a strap
to further secure the housing to the finger of the user. The
processor may be further adapted to control a head-worn computer
when the finger touch sensor's indication is that a finger is
present. The processor may be further adapted to stop controlling a
head-worn computer when the finger touch sensor's indication is
that a finger is not present. The finger touch sensor may be a
capacitively activated sensor, mechanically activated sensor,
proximity sensor, etc. The function regulated by the processor may
control a function based on inertial measurements indicative of
movements of the device. The function regulated by the processor
may control a function based on movements of the device.
[0116] FIG. 12 illustrates a wireless finger mounted controller
1202 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
The controller 1202 has a housing 1212 mechanically adapted to sit
on top of a finger (e.g. the index finger). The housing includes a
strap 1210 that can be slipped over the finger to secure the
housing 1212 on the finger. With the controller 1202 mounted on the
user's finger, the user may use his thumb, or other digit, to
interact with the various components on the controller (e.g. track
pad 1204, actuators 1208a and 1208b or actuators on the front of
the device). The user may also interact with the controller 1202
and hence generate control signals for a related device (e.g. HWC
102) by moving the controller in 2D or 3D space. Gyros, inertial
measurement units (IMUs), etc. in the controller 1202 may detect
user movements to generate the control signals.
[0117] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the controller 1202 with
internal portions in dashed lines. The top of the housing 1212 is
also removed in this view to expose the circuit board on top and
some of the internal components. As illustrated, a contact sensor
1302 may extend through the housing 1212 into the region where the
user's finger fits. The contact sensor 1302 may be a capacitive
touch sensor, mechanical touch sensor, etc. The contact sensor may
be adapted to sense the presence or non-presence of the user's
finger. A processor in the controller 1202 may be connected to the
contact sensor 1304 such that the processor can alter functionality
of the controller 1202 based on the presence or non-presence of the
user's finger. For example, the controller may be shut off or it's
controlling functions may be turned off if no finger is
detected.
[0118] FIG. 14 illustrates another view of the finger controller
1202 showing the contact sensor 1302 extending through the housing
1212. In embodiments, a proximity sensor may be positioned inside
of the housing such that the sensor does not extend through the
housing while still sensing a finger within its proximity.
[0119] Another aspect of the present invention relates to intuitive
control systems for head-worn computing. As described herein, a
finger mounted controller can provide intuitive control for the
user of a head-worn computer. A finger mounted controller may
include interactive control elements (e.g. buttons, touch pads,
track pads, etc.) to facilitate input of user instructions. The
finger mounted controller may also have motion and position sensors
(e.g. gyros, inertial measurement units (IMU), etc.) to provide the
user with another form of control, which could be based on one, two
or three dimensional motion sensing control instructions. For
example, when moving through a 3D space in a head-worn computer
display it may be easiest for the user to move his hand or finger,
even with slight movements, which can cause the orientation within
the space to change. The inventors have appreciated that, in
certain situations, the movement based control system may interfere
with a button or other touch based control system. For example,
when a user touches a touched based control element (e.g. a button)
the force or motion of touching the button may cause the motion
based control system to sense a movement and generate an
unintentional control command. This can cause, for example, a
cursor to move downward, based on a sensed movement, while the user
is attempting to select an element in content in the display of the
HWC, which can cause the user to not click on the element. This can
cause frustration for the user. In embodiments, a touch sensor is
positioned to detect the user's attempted interaction with the
touch based control element and then a processor in the finger
mounted control device can turn off or ignore control commands
initiated by any movement based control system. So, continuing with
the example above, the movement based control system would be
removed from consideration when the user interacts with a touch
based control element on the housing of the finger mounted
controller and the user would be able to properly interact with the
element presented in the HWC display.
[0120] In embodiments, a finger mounted user interface device may
include a housing adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user; one
or more user interactive control elements mounted within the
housing and accessible by the user when the device is worn by the
user; a touch sensor positioned to sense the presence of a thumb or
finger of the user in proximity of the user interactive control
element, wherein the proximity is indicative that the user is
interacting with the interactive control element; and a processor
adapted to alter a control schema of the finger mounted user
interface device based on the proximity of the thumb or finger. The
user interactive control element may be a button, track pad, etc.
The touch sensor may be a capacitive touch sensor, mechanical touch
sensor, proximity sensor, etc. In embodiments, a capacitive touch
sensor forms at least a portion of a ring around the interactive
control element. The processor may alter the control schema by not
responding to data indicative of the housing moving. The movements
of the housing may be measured by an IMU, gyros, etc.
[0121] FIG. 15 illustrates certain components of the wireless
finger controller 1202. Trackpad 1204 and actuators 1208a and 1208b
are interactive control elements mounted within the housing 1212
and positioned to be interacted with by the user. In embodiments,
the housing 1212 is mounted on the index finger of the user and the
user uses his thumb to interact with the buttons, actuators, touch
pad, track pad, and other interactive control elements. As
illustrates, this system also includes a capacitive touch sensor
ring 1502. The capacitive touch sensor is positioned to detect the
user's thumb (or finger if a finger is used to interact with the
control elements instead of the thumb) in proximity to the
interactive control elements as a prediction that the user is going
to or is interacting touching the control elements. The touching of
the capacitive touch sensor 1502 can alert the processor to ignore
motion based control system when the capacitive touch sensor is
indicating the user is interacting with or going to interact with
the control elements to improve the user's control experience.
[0122] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a
multi-sided hand-held control device for control of a head-worn
computer. The multi-sided controller may include a detection system
to detect which of the multiple sides is in a proper position to
accept desired user interactions. For example, the controller may
have a keyboard on one side and a game controller on the second
side. When the game controller side is up, the game control system
may then be activated and the keyboard side may be deactivated
under the schema where it is the upward facing control that is the
one the user is intending to interact with. With this control
schema, the user can interact with the game controls without
inadvertently interacting with the keys of the keyboard. Another
aspect of the multi-sided controller relates to detection of its
motion and using its motion as an additional control input. For
example, with the keyboard in the up position and activated as a
user interaction, a motion detection system (e.g. IMU) may monitor
the motion of the controller and use the motion to control an
aspect of a computer program. The motion input may be used to
control a cursor, 3D aspect of an interface, game, etc. With the
keyboard activated, the user may then be able to input characters
through the keyboard and move the cursor in a graphical user
interface in a see-through head-worn computer display. This
intuitive interaction with the head-worn computer can create a very
desirable system for a user of the head-worn computer. Such a
system can become second nature for a user because of the physical
keys, motion control, and inadvertent control interaction
restrictions in the same hand-held device.
[0123] FIG. 16 illustrates two different sides of a multi-sided
hand-held head-worn computer controller 1600. As can be seen, the
hand-held controller 1600 has a different control interface on the
front side 1602a and the backside 1602b. In this example, the front
side 1602a includes a keyboard and other commonly used interfaces
that might be used when inputting text into an application. And the
second side 1602b includes a gaming interface with joystick type
input and other commonly used interfaces that might be used when
playing a game. The controller 1600 is adapted to communicate user
interactions with the HWC 102. In embodiments, the first and second
sides have other user control interfaces, such as touch surfaces,
touch pads, finger print detection systems, pre-programmed buttons,
etc. and each type of control interface may be configured on either
the first or second side and the control schema may be defined for
the particular desires of a user.
[0124] The controller 1600 may include a positional detection
system (e.g. IMU) to detect which side of the multi-sided
controller is in an appropriate position for user interaction. For
example, controller 1600 may be mechanically configured such that
it is the topside position that is the intended interaction
position, so the positional detection system may detect which side
is on top. Once the topside is detected a control system may
activate the topside interface such that it is ready to receive
user interaction and communicate control signals. The control
system may further deactivate the bottom side control surface to
avoid inadvertent interactions with the bottom control surface.
[0125] In embodiments, the positional detection system and the
control system may be adapted to identify which of the sides of the
controller is apparently desired for the user's interactions and
then activate that side of the control system's interface ("the
active control side"). In embodiments, the control system may also
deactivate all or part of the control interfaces on the other
side(s) ("the non-active control side"). For example, as stated
above, the second side's control interface may be deactivated.
However, in embodiments, only portions of the second side's control
interface may be deactivated. For example, the second side may have
a number of buttons, joystick type controllers, touch interface
surfaces, dials, etc. and when the first side is fully activated
only some of the second side's interfaces may be activated (e.g.
the touch interface surface or the joystick type controller). This
can enable the user to, for example, type on a keyboard on the top
while also being able to use a touch pad on the back or a joystick
on the back while not having an issue with inadvertently touching
other interfaces (e.g. certain buttons) on the back.
[0126] In embodiments, the controller may detect motion (e.g. with
an IMU) of the controller itself and use the motion for control of
the head-worn computer. The motion control may provide cursor
control for the wearer of the head-worn computer, 3D motion control
of an application or game running on the head-worn computer,
gesture input for the head-worn computer, etc. For example, to
provide a highly intuitive control system for a head-worn computer,
the user may be able to type on the keyboard that is in the top
side position, while some or all second side controls are
deactivated, and then move the controller in 3D space to control
the position of a cursor in the see-through display of the
head-worn computer. Similarly, the user may be able to use the
physical interface controls like a joystick on the game controller
side of the controller, while not worrying about inadvertently
interacting with the backside controls, and also move the
controller in 3D space to control an aspect of a game operating on
the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the user may use the
controller as a gesture input device where certain motions are
programmed to cause certain actions in a game or other application
operating on the head-worn computer. For example, the user may flip
the controller to the side to clear the see-through display, change
applications, cause a call to be answered, launch a particular
application, cause a transaction to be completed (e.g. bill pay),
file to be transferred, person to be identified, etc.
[0127] In embodiments, a fingerprint identification system may be
included in the hand-held controller and fingerprint personal
identification may be used to securely access the controller and/or
the head-worn computer. In embodiments, the fingerprint
identification may be used in conjunction with eye image personal
identification.
[0128] Although embodiments of HWC have been described in language
specific to features, systems, computer processes and/or methods,
the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific
features, systems, computer processes and/or methods described.
Rather, the specific features, systems, computer processes and/or
and methods are disclosed as non-limited example implementations of
HWC. All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by
reference.
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References